3 Ways To Clean Headlights With Vinegar - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Cars & Other Vehicles
• Cars
• Car Maintenance and Repair
• Car Lighting
• Headlights

How to Clean Headlights with Vinegar Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Wiping Away Dust and Dirt 2 Restoring Headlights with Baking Soda and Vinegar 3 Applying a Vinegar Wax Other Sections Expert Q&A Things You'll Need Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Chad Zani

Last Updated: May 28, 2025 References

Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Chad Zani. Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services. This article has been viewed 139,098 times.

Vinegar is a great tool to quickly remove dirt and discoloration from foggy or discolored headlights. You may be able to remove surface dirt and grime by washing or spraying the headlight with vinegar. If the headlights have become hazy, foggy, or yellowed, you should use a mixture made of baking soda and vinegar. You can even use vinegar to make a wax for your headlights. This will reduce any future fogginess from developing on the headlight cover.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Wiping Away Dust and Dirt

Download Article

1. 1 Mix vinegar and water. To make a vinegar glass cleaning solution, you can mix three parts water with one part white distilled vinegar. For example, you might mix three cups of water with one cup of vinegar.
   • You can also use this solution to clean your car’s windows.
2. 2 Spray vinegar glass cleaner on the headlights. Put the vinegar and water solution in an empty spray bottle. Spritz the mixture onto the headlight cover. Make sure that you completely cover the headlight with the vinegar. You can let it soak for a minute to help loosen dirt.[1] Advertisement
3. 3 Wipe away dirt with a microfiber cloth. Using a clean microfiber cloth, wipe away the vinegar solution from the headlight. This will help remove bugs, visible dirt, and other surface grime. You may want to make broad circular motions to reduce streaks. Most dirt should come off easily, but you can scrub a little if there is something stuck on the headlight.
   • Your headlights may still be yellow or foggy, even after you clean off the visible debris. You can remove these issues by using a baking powder and vinegar mixture.
   • You may repeat this as many times as you need to remove the dirt.
Advertisement

Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Restoring Headlights with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Download Article

1. 1 Mix vinegar with baking soda. In a Styrofoam cup or measuring bowl, mix two parts white vinegar to one part baking soda. The two substances will start to foam.[2]
   • For example, you might use four tablespoons vinegar and two tablespoons baking soda, but this might vary. Add more or less as you need it.
2. 2 Apply the mixture to your headlights. Dip a clean cloth into the vinegar and baking soda mixture. Rub it onto the headlight. Work your way around the entire headlight, including the edges. Make small, circular motions to help spread the mixture.[3]
3. 3 Rinse off the solution with clean water. Rinse off the solution with water. If there is any baking soda left, it will leave a white haze on the light. Keep rinsing until the headlight is clear and sparkling. Once it is clear, you can wipe it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
   • You can rinse the headlight using a sponge. Soak the sponge in clean water, and use it to wipe away the baking soda. You may need to squeeze out the sponge and soak it again to help remove all of the baking soda.
   • You can also rinse it by filling a spray bottle with water. Spray the headlight, and wipe the water away until the baking soda is completely gone.
4. 4 Repeat if necessary. If the yellow discoloration is severe or if you have not cleaned your headlights in a while, you may need to repeat this process. Apply more of the solution to the headlight, scrub, and rinse.
Advertisement

Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Applying a Vinegar Wax

Download Article

1. 1 Heat the wax. Mix one cup linseed oil, four tablespoons of carnauba wax, two tablespoons of beeswax, and half a cup of apple cider vinegar. Put the ingredients over boiling water by using a double boiler. Heat the wax, and stir frequently until the waxes have melted.[4]
   • Carnauba wax can be bought at auto stores.
   • If you don’t have a double boiler, put the ingredients in a clean tin can. Set the can in middle of a pot of boiling water. Be careful not to scald yourself when removing the can.
2. 2 Let the wax cool in a separate container. Once the waxes have melted into one another, you should pour the wax into a different container, such as a jar or Pyrex measuring cup. Let the wax cool until it is solid. Once the wax is solid, it is ready to be used.
   • If you use a container with a lid, you can save the cooled wax for later.
3. 3 Rub wax onto headlights. Once the wax is cool, you can scoop it up with a clean cloth. Apply it to the headlights. Work it across the entire headlight using circular motions.[5]
4. 4 Remove wax with a clean cloth. With a different cloth, buff off the wax. Make sure that there are no streaks or residue left on afterwards. The headlight should look polished and sparkling.[6]
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question Why do headlights turn yellow? Chad Zani Auto Detailing Expert Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services. Chad Zani Auto Detailing Expert Expert Answer The reason headlights look yellow is that the plastic has been broken down by sunlight. If you can remove those layers of broken-down plastic by polishing them, you can make them look new again. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8
• Question Why the two different types of headlights? why not stay with the one that was originally installed? Community Answer Because the newer ones are brighter and more effective, that's why. The newer lights reach farther and use less energy. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 13

Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Things You'll Need

• Distilled white vinegar
• Several clean microfiber cloths
• Empty spray bottle
• Sponge
• Baking soda
• Linseed oil
• Carnauba wax
• Beeswax
• Apple cider vinegar

Tips

• Vinegar can be used to clean car windows, mirrors, and other parts of the car. In fact, there are many ways to clean your car using items around the house. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How to Restore Cloudy Car Headlights How to Clean Cloudy Plastic Kitchenware & Headlights How to Clean Headlights with WD-40 How to Restore Foggy Headlights Using Toothpaste How toRepair Oxidized Cloudy Headlights with a Headlight Cleaner Best Ways to Clean the Outside & Inside of Your Car How to Use Household Ingredients to Clean Your Car How to Clean a Car Headliner How toMake Your Own Glass Cleaner Simple DIY Ways to Polish & Restore Plastic So It Shines How toClean Car Windows How toClean Glass The Best Way to Clean Windows with Vinegar and Soap 3 Best Methods for Cleaning Mirrors and Treating Tough Stains Advertisement

References

1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWMJubLqnRw&feature=youtu.be&t=53
2. ↑ http://www.luxcarwashaltamonte.com/the-best-car-detail-tips-for-cleaning-your-headlights.html
3. ↑ http://www.luxcarwashaltamonte.com/the-best-car-detail-tips-for-cleaning-your-headlights.html
4. ↑ http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/home/organic-way-wash-your-car
5. ↑ http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/home/organic-way-wash-your-car
6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaIjJ8vjzTs&feature=youtu.be&t=30

About This Article

Co-authored by: Chad Zani Auto Detailing Expert This article was co-authored by Chad Zani. Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services. This article has been viewed 139,098 times. 19 votes - 89% Co-authors: 4 Updated: May 28, 2025 Views: 139,098 Categories: Headlights Article SummaryX

To clean headlights with vinegar, start by mixing two parts white vinegar and 1 part baking soda. Then, dip a cloth into the mixture, and rub it onto your headlights using circular motions. Next, rinse off the headlights with water, making sure all of the baking soda is gone so it doesn't leave a residue. Finally, dry the headlights with a paper towel and repeat the process if necessary. To learn how to apply vinegar wax to headlights, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Italian Spanish Russian French Indonesian

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 139,098 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Chad Zani Auto Detailing Expert Co-authors: 4 Updated: May 28, 2025 Views: 139,098 89% of readers found this article helpful. 19 votes - 89% Click a star to add your vote

Quizzes & Games

Do I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizThe Potion Game: Brew The Perfect PotionPlayBumper Sticker GeneratorGenerateWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How to Restore Cloudy Car HeadlightsHow to Clean Cloudy Plastic Kitchenware & HeadlightsHow to Clean Headlights with WD-40How to Restore Foggy Headlights Using Toothpaste

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Trending Articles

How toMake OutHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizIs Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?

Featured Articles

How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality Test

Featured Articles

250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)What Is My Favorite Color Quiz215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas100+ Creative Ways to Say Good NightWhy Can't I Sleep Quiz150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special

Watch Articles

How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow toThicken Sauce with FlourHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & BeyondWhich of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson)How to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersWhat’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What School Subject Are You?

Quizzes & Games

What Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizHow Old Do People Think I Look QuizTake QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizTake QuizWhat Skincare Products Should I Use QuizTake QuizWhat Type of Witch Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Crystal Do I Need QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Cars & Other Vehicles
• Cars
• Car Maintenance and Repair
• Car Lighting
• Headlights

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --461